Living Learning Communities

"Students accepted into Nevada's Living Learning Communities cultivate the skills and abilities needed to succeed at the University through a variety of unique experiences. The close interaction with faculty and experiential connections to the University curriculum help all participants develop leadership and community service values."

Shannon Ellis - Vice President for Student Services

Living Learning Communities provide educational and social opportunities to students who have chosen to live on campus. Students live with others who share an interest in academic and professional issues. Students are assigned to the same floor in the residence hall, take one or more core courses with other students in the LLC, and participate in weekly activities.

The University of Nevada offers three Living Learning Communities:

The Honors Residential Scholars Community is a living-learning community that gives Honors students the opportunity to take classes, participate in social activities, and live with other Honors students who share an interest in academic and professional issues. The community is open to qualified students of all academic majors who have been admitted to the Honors Program.

"The Living Learning Community defined my first semester of college. Because of it, I am on a first name basis with my professors, have gotten to know almost everyone who lives on my wing (because we're all in the same classes), and it got me interested in student government. I am now the Argenta Hall Council President, and without the encouragement of the people I met through the LLC, I don't think it would have happened."

Joseph Neiman - Carson City, NV

The PAC (Powerful Academic Communities) living learning communities are open to all first-year students who are eligible for specific core Math classes. The focus of these communities is to provide students with the tools and resources for a successful transition to college life. Members of the communities take a core Math course together facilitating the formation of study groups and support networks. Students can also take dedicated English courses and Introduction to the College Experience which will help with their transition.

The WISE (Women in Science & Engineering) living learning community is for first-year women majoring in science, mathematics, or engineering. Members of the WISE living learning community build personal and professional networks that last a lifetime. An intensive first-year experience introduces Wise members to mentoring and support systems within the University and beyond. Additionally, programs created specifically for WISE members provide a forum for members to explore educational, professional and leadership opportunities. It is housed in Argenta Hall and shares a floor and resources with the Honors Residential Scholars Program. WISE members have enhanced access to associated faculty, academic advising, and study groups. For more information, a complete list of eligible majors, other eligibility requirements, and how to apply for WISE, please go to: www.unr.edu/wise

"I like the convenience of having our English class in the lounge and the math professors down the hall. It is great to have such an enthusiastic math teacher."

Katie Withrow - Quincy, CA

Why are there three Living Learning Communities in the residence halls?
UNR embraces the diversity of interests and experiences brought to campus by new students. Multiple Living Learning Communities allow students to choose divergent paths while remaining committed to success at UNR. One LLC is for students admitted to the Honors Program, one for women in science & engineering (WISE), and one for freshman in specific English and Math courses.


"I think it's cool I can go down the hall and see my professor."

Aaron Spector - Henderson, NV

Advantages of Participating in a Living Learning Community

  • Unique opportunities to explore UNR with yearlong support from peers, advisors, faculty and staff
  • Greater interaction with community, faculty, and classmates
  • Opportunity to live among other dedicated students with similar interests and ambitions
  • Study and meeting space in the communities
  • Opportunities to participate in programs designed to enhance academic and personal success

What will I have to do to be part of a Living Learning Community?

  1. Be admitted to the University and, if applicable, the Honors Program
  2. Apply for housing and submit the initial payment
  3. Meet eligibility requirements for courses - Your high school transcripts and placement exams will be used to determine eligibility
  4. Print and Complete the LLC application for the program you are interested in. Note: You must have Adobe Version 7.08 to read these forms
    1. Honors Living Learning Community
    2. PAC Living Learning Community
    3. PAC Engineering Living Learning Community
    4. WISE Living Learning Community
  5. Participate in Living Learning Community courses
  6. Work closely with faculty and peers to explore issues related to academic life, majors and careers
  7. Meet University, Residence Life and, if applicable, Honors Program academic expectations
  8. Participate in a minimum of two Living Learning Community Activities per month
  9. Support an environment conducive to academic success

Sign up for a Living Learning Community today!

What if I still have questions?

Students interested in Honors may contact:

Dr. Tamara Valentine, Director of the Honors Program
Telephone: (775) 784-1455
E-mail: tvalenti@unr.edu

Teri Galvin, Area Coordinator
Telephone: (775) 784-1113
E-mail: tmg@unr.edu

Students interested in the PAC (Powerful Academic Communities) may contact:

Teri Galvin, Area Coordinator
Telephone: (775) 784-1113
E-mail: tmg@unr.edu

Students interested in WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) may contact:

Dr. Katherine R. McCall, WISE Program Director
E-mail: unrwise@unr.edu

Teri Galvin, Area Coordinator
Telephone: (775) 784-1113
E-mail: tmg@unr.edu

Housing Information